Walk in the Light

June 24, 2026

June 24th, 2026

Wednesday – History

Reading – 2 Chronicles 7-9

Highlight Verses:

“My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place. For I have chosen this Temple and set it apart to be holy—a place where my name will be honored forever. I will always watch over it, for it is dear to my heart.”
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭7‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

You probably thought I was going to highlight verse 14 (read it).

You know that verse and it goes hand in hand with this verse.

But know this – If you trust Jesus, your body is the temple of God. (1 Corinthians 6:19)

He hears your prayers!

Every one of them.

Every time.

Every topic.

Every praise, every thanks, every confession, and every request.

In fact, He doesn’t just hear you, He’s watching and listening for every word you speak to Him.

Because you are dear to Him.

So, talk to Him.

He can’t wait to hear your voice.

Do you have a hard time finding time to pray?
What is it that you most want God to understand about you? Have you told Him?
Have you listened for His answer?
June 23, 2026

June 23rd, 2026

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Numbers 15-16

Highlight Verses:

“When you present these offerings, you must also give the Lord a grain offering of two quarts of choice flour mixed with one quart of olive oil. For each lamb offered as a burnt offering or a special sacrifice, you must also present one quart of wine as a liquid offering.”
‭‭Numbers‬ ‭15‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When I first read this, I thought it was curious that the people needed to add to the basic sacrifice.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized the adding these other ingredients made a complete meal (if you don’t worry about the veggies).

This enabled the Levites to concentrate fully on their work without worrying about feeding themselves.

Beyond that, it made for a more complete act of obedience on the part of the worshipper bringing the sacrifice.

So why does this matter today?

While I certainly don’t recommend bringing animal sacrifices (though I know some pastors who would love a good barbecue), I believe the principle behind it still applies today.

Our initial “sacrifice” is believing. Putting our trust in Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins is what brings us into eternal life.

We do not need to add anything to that for salvation.

But when we put our complete trust in Him, we will want to bring our sacrifices of tithe and offerings, of righteous living, of service to the church and to others.

All these add together for a more complete and vibrant faith.

Again, I am not saying that it takes anything beyond grace to be saved.

But what a rich life awaits us when we surrender our hold on our lives to the One who makes all things complete.

Is there anything that you believe you should sacrifice to surrender your life to Jesus?
Do you have a different take on these verses? Please share.
June 22, 2026

June 22nd, 2026

Monday – Gospels and Acts

Reading – Acts 1

Highlight Verse:

“So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?””
‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The apostles saw Jesus crucified, buried, and raised from the dead.

They sat under His teaching for three years.

And when He was back with them just before His ascension, they wanted to know if He was finally going to kick the Romans out and restore Israel.

I’d like to say that I would have known better.

But there have been so many times when I misunderstood God’s plans.

So how do you know God’s plans?

I could say it was as simple as receiving the Holy Spirit as He spoke of before and after this verse.

That is certainly part of it.

But it goes beyond that.

It comes from listening to His teaching which now you can find in the Bible.

It comes from obedience to His commands, taking away the noise of sin that blocks hearing His Word.

And of course, it also comes from the Holy Spirit dwelling in you.

Even after all that, realize that God will reveal things as we need to hear them.

While you wait, trust Him.

He is always working all things for the good of those who love Him.

Have you ever been frustrated by having to wait for God to confirm His will in your life?
How did you know it when He did reveal His will to you?
June 21, 2026

June 21st, 2026

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Ecclesiastes 7-8

Highlight Verses:

“Don’t try to avoid doing your duty, and don’t stand with those who plot evil, for the king can do whatever he wants. His command is backed by great power. No one can resist or question it.”
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭8‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As we arrived at the Portland Airport yesterday, we saw numerous police vehicles racing toward the freeway.

Curious, I checked the news and found that a reckless driver was trying to evade the police.

As their level of recklessness was severe (extreme speed, blowing through lights, etc.), the police were not going to let them get away with it.

It did not go well for the driver (he was caught and injured), nor for the many trying to get to the airport (we got there early).

We do not have a king in the US (despite protests to the contrary).

We do have a government that we the people put into place.

Solomon reminds us here that disrespecting the government is unwise.

Anyone who has spent time in jail can attest to that.

There may be times when our faith must come before and sometimes against our government.

Even in those times, our opposition should begin with respect, taking the least violent way possible to enact change.

Have you ever had to oppose the government?
How did you do it and how did that go?
Have you ever disobeyed the law in a foolish way?
How did that go for you?
June 20, 2026

June 20th, 2026

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – Ecclesiastes 3:1-15

Highlight Verse:

“And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.”
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

No, you aren’t having déjà vu. I highlighted this verse a couple of weeks ago.

I bring it back today because I am at the tail end of a week of enjoying the fruits of my labor.

Today, I will drop my family off at the Portland, OR airport so they can get home quickly while I road trip back to Colorado with the minivan.

Even being thrifty, it’s crazy how much money we blew through in the last week.

But it was all worth it to have all that time with the family with no more responsibility than picking a place to eat or meal to bring home from the grocery store.

The week has seen long conversations, fun games, kites on the beach, a few sunsets, and a hike to a lighthouse.

We even had a little Father’s Day celebration yesterday since I’ll be on the road tomorrow.

I always recommend staying within your means when it comes to leisure activities.

But if it is possible, family vacations are a great way to spend the fruits of your labors.

What was the best family vacation you have been on?
What made it the best?
June 19, 2026

June 19th, 2026

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Amos 1-2

Highlight Verses:

“They trample helpless people in the dust and shove the oppressed out of the way. Both father and son sleep with the same woman, corrupting my holy name. At their religious festivals, they lounge in clothing their debtors put up as security. In the house of their gods, they drink wine bought with unjust fines.”
‭‭Amos‬ ‭2‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Amos dives right in with very succinct accusations against the nations surrounding Israel.

Those accusations center around violence.

Then there’s the simple accusation against Judah.

Judah ignored God’s instructions.

Finally comes Israel.

And the list is long and sad.

And it is centered around selfishness.

Yes, there is one accusation about lust but that is another form of selfishness.

I can safely say that I don’t struggle with any of the same sins Israel is accused of.

But I certainly have my selfish moments.

I let others do what I could have done.

I remain silent when requests for help go out.

I spend money on myself when others could benefit from it.

None of us is perfect, but we should all strive to serve each other, especially those who are unable to help themselves.

What are ways that we can live out selflessness in our day to day lives?
What else about today’s reading stood out to you?
June 18, 2026

June 18th, 2026

Thursday – Letters

Reading – 1 John 3

Highlight Verses:

“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

You knew I would gravitate toward the action verses, didn’t you?

Doing good actions and avoiding bad actions not only prove our faith, but they put us in a better position to receive from God.

We will more easily receive instructions from God as they won’t be drowned out by the distractions of the world.

We are also more likely to receive physical blessings from God as they often flow out of doing the right thing.

Finally, we will receive eternal life and the blessings stored up by a life lived with eternity in mind.

So, while I am not legalistic, I wholeheartedly support righteous action.

How can you show the truth through your actions today?
What blessings have your positive actions allowed God to release to you in the past?
June 17, 2026

June 17th, 2026

Wednesday – History

Reading – 2 Chronicles 4-6

Highlight Verses:

“And the Levites who were musicians—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and all their sons and brothers—were dressed in fine linen robes and stood at the east side of the altar playing cymbals, lyres, and harps. They were joined by 120 priests who were playing trumpets. The trumpeters and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they raised their voices and praised the Lord with these words: “He is good! His faithful love endures forever!” At that moment a thick cloud filled the Temple of the Lord.”
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I once worshipped with 35,000 men in a sports venue. If there had been a roof, we would have raised it.

I have been in other worship services where the presence of God was so strong, no eye remained dry and healings flowed with ease.

But I have never seen worship so powerful that the building had to be vacated because God’s presence was so physically overwhelming.

That must have been incredible!

How did it happen?

• The leaders were anointed by God for that purpose.
• Everyone participated.
• They performed together in unison.

Does that mean that the best worship is when the biggest bands get together at huge gatherings (that the audience probably paid an average of over a hundred dollars per person to attend)?

I’ve said it here before and it is still true. Some of the best worship I have witnessed was in a small country church with a couple dozen people, most the whom couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket.

But they sought to worship in faith and in unity.

While perfect pitch and massive productions have their place, let’s focus on worshipping God together in faith and in unity.

God will show up!

What was the most amazing worship in which you have participated?
What can you do you improve the worship experience for yourself and others?
June 16, 2026

June 16th, 2026

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Numbers 13-14

Highlight Verse:

“Then the Lord said, “I will pardon them as you have requested.”
‭‭Numbers‬ ‭14‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The people of Israel were ready to stone Moses and Aaron.

I don’t know about you, but I’d be pretty ticked if I were Moses.

I’d be very tempted to take God up on His offer to start again.

It’s a good thing I’m not Moses.

Not that Moses had that great of love for his rebellious people.

But he had that great of love for God.

He pleaded for the people for God’s sake.

And God listened.

God didn’t allow anyone from the current generation to enter the promised land except Caleb and Joshua.

Moses accepted that.

If that’s not a great example of effective prayer, I don’t know what is.

If you must “name it and claim it” follow Moses example:
• Pray with God’s glory in mind.
• Set aside any selfish motives.
• Respect God’s response.

What stood out to you in today’s reading?
How easy or tough is it for you to pray with no selfish motives?
June 15, 2026

June 15th, 2026

Monday – Gospels

Reading – Luke 24

Highlight Verse:

“The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive?”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I have questions.

Why was it just the women who went to the tomb to take care of Jesus’ body?
What were their expectations?
Why did the angels sound so harsh (at least the way I read it) to the women?

I can only answer that final question with any degree of certainty.

Jesus had already said that he would come back to life. (Mark 8:31, etc.) The angels expected the women to believe that.

If they had taken Jesus at His word, they would not have prepared the spices for embalming.

Instead, they would have stayed at the tomb anticipating Jesus’ resurrection.

How many times do we follow our traditions when we should be taking Jesus’ at His word.

We observe rules out of fear instead of love.
We worry instead of trusting Jesus’ promises.
We judge instead of forgiving.

We trust a God who is risen and brings life.

Let’s not set Him aside in a little box labeled “only on Sundays.”

Have you ever found yourself trusting in tradition instead of Jesus?
How do you tell the difference between tradition and true faith?

He hears your prayers!

In fact, He doesn’t just hear you, He’s watching and listening for every word you speak to Him.

So, talk to Him.

He can’t wait to hear your voice.

When I first read this, I thought it was curious that the people needed to add to the basic sacrifice.

So why does this matter today?

But what a rich life awaits us when we surrender our hold on our lives to the One who makes all things complete.

I’d like to say that I would have known better.

So how do you know God’s plans?

He is always working all things for the good of those who love Him.

It did not go well for the driver (he was caught and injured), nor for the many trying to get to the airport (we got there early).

Solomon reminds us here that disrespecting the government is unwise.

Even in those times, our opposition should begin with respect, taking the least violent way possible to enact change.

I bring it back today because I am at the tail end of a week of enjoying the fruits of my labor.

But it was all worth it to have all that time with the family with no more responsibility than picking a place to eat or meal to bring home from the grocery store.

But if it is possible, family vacations are a great way to spend the fruits of your labors.

And it is centered around selfishness.

But I certainly have my selfish moments.

None of us is perfect, but we should all strive to serve each other, especially those who are unable to help themselves.

You knew I would gravitate toward the action verses, didn’t you?

We will more easily receive instructions from God as they won’t be drowned out by the distractions of the world.

So, while I am not legalistic, I wholeheartedly support righteous action.

How did it happen?

But they sought to worship in faith and in unity.

God will show up!

It’s a good thing I’m not Moses.

If that’s not a great example of effective prayer, I don’t know what is.

I have questions.

Jesus had already said that he would come back to life. (Mark 8:31, etc.) The angels expected the women to believe that.

Let’s not set Him aside in a little box labeled “only on Sundays.”